Past Review

By Brianna C (Communication and Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for

ISEP Exchange: Montevideo - Exchange Program at Universidad Católica del Uruguay

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience was definitely worthwhile. I gained understandings of how global the world is becoming and how similar yet completely different cultures can be. I realized that there are no wrong ideas just different ones.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Universidad Catolica del Uruguay
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place:	Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Besides learning more Spanish, I didn't feel like I came home with a lot of knowledge of the culture. I learned the history, but I learned more about the culture by experiencing it.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Lived with a single woman and her daughter. It was a little quiet, but I got to know my host mom very well. <br /><br /> I lived in a house with a mother and daughter who were locals. I liked my house and was very happy with the neighborhood but it was a little far from the center of the city so I wish it was in a better location. The location is beautiful and 6 blocks from the beach and incredibly safe.
* Food:	The food like all other countries takes a little getting used to,but it was nice having someone to cook your meals for you and get to experience native food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Social aspects were the best part. Meeting people from all over the world as well as the natives was an eye-opening experience. I feel as though the most valuable things I learned was through socializing with others.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	They had a designated hospital for English-speakers if we needed it, but I never used it. I felt incredibly safe about 95% of the time and was only scared if I was walking at night.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	I spent between $20 and $50 each week depending on where I was at and what I wanted to buy. If it was a typical week where I didn't buy any souvenirs or go out to eat I probably spent $20 on transportation, activities such a movies or getting a snack with a friend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I wish I would have considered transportation. I did not include that in my budgeting and I would advise having about $10 a week set aside for that.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?	I improved a lot, but I wish that I would have tried to use it more. I was fortunate enough to live with a family that only spoke Spanish with me, but it was difficult being surrounded by English-speakers and natives that knew English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Set goals for yourself before going. If you are looking to globalize your perspectives and learn about the world in general, do not surround yourself around other Americans. Make friends from all over and make sure you are getting the full experience.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	B1 Spanish Grammar
Course Department:	Intercambio
Instructor:	Elvira Blanco
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This was the best course that I took. Learning Spanish from a native speaker was a great experience. She was a wonderful professor and had a lot of experience with foreign students. She was culturally sensitive and was great about understanding her students.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, I received full credit.

Course Name/Rating:	Cultura Uruguaya
Course Department:	Intercambio
Instructor:	Margarita
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	She was previously a literature teacher, and had a great knowledge in that area. However, teaching culture was not her subject of interest and it was apparent. Her attitude toward the foreign students was somewhat negative, although she was patriotic and had a good mix of projects, presentations and tests.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems.

Course Name/Rating:	Pensamiento en America Latina y Uruguay
Course Department:	Intercambio
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The class was very interesting, however this professor expects a lot out of exchange students. The coursework was light, but very dense material in class was taught. The only grade for the class was to write a book report that really had nothing to do with the class. Overall, it was an easy class but I did not walk away learning a lot.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems.

Course Name/Rating:	Literatura Uruguaya
Course Department:	Intercambio
Instructor:	Teresa Torres
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This class was good for a person that has a high level of Spanish and is good with literature. However, if you're a beginner it is difficult. The professor expects a lot out of her students and there is a lot of dense reading material.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems.